Herrera facilitates turnover of anti-dengue machines, cash donations, AICS funds to QC gov’t
House Deputy Minority Leader Bernadette Herrera has facilitated the turnover of anti-dengue misting machines, a cash donation, and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program funds to the Quezon City government.
The turnover of the machines from Rotary Club of Kyoto Higashiyama in Japan, a P500,000 cash donation from the Philippine Rotary District 3780, and P3 million worth of AICS funds facilitated by Herrera’s Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list, was held during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at the Quezon City Hall led by Mayor Joy Belmonte.
The event held special significance for Herrera, who previously served as a councilor for nine years under the tenure of the incumbent mayor’s father, Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr., who later became Speaker of the House of Representatives. Herrera’s brother, Bernard, currently serves as a councilor representing the city’s first district.
Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony, Herrera reminisced about her 23 years of public service at Quezon City Hall, highlighting her role in launching impactful programs including the “computer-on-wheels,” mobile clinic, “skills-on-wheels,” and TESDA scholarships.
Herrera discussed the urgent problem of increasing dengue cases in Quezon City, emphasizing the need for proactive action.
In the first three months of 2024, there were 998 dengue cases in the city, up from 721 cases in all of 2023. Also, two lives were already lost to the disease this year, compared to one last year.
“Kailangang sugpuin natin [ang dengue], kailangang labanan natin ito… Narito po kami para i-turn over ang anti-dengue machines sa ating City Health Department,” said Herrera, who was accompanied by Rotary District 3780 Governor Paul Angel Galang and past president Robert Nazal.
Herrera also commended Belmonte’s plan to eradicate illiteracy in Quezon City, praising her approach of using data for governance.
She voiced her backing for efforts to improve education for young people, noting Belmonte’s focus on eradicating illiteracy as especially impactful.
Rotary District 3780, where Herrera served as past governor, provided an additional P500,000 for the city’s Zero Illiteracy Program.
“Nagbigay na po ang Rotary ng first P500,000. Today, we’ll be turning over another P500,000 from Rotary District 3780,” Herrera said.
Through the efforts of BH Party-list, the Department of Social Welfare and Development turned over P3 million worth of AICS funds to the Quezon City government.
Herrera expressed hope for its utilization in the QC Learning Recovery Program or assisting solo parents under Belmonte’s discretion.
“Alam ko, maliit na bagay lang po ito, Mayor. But with your leadership, alam ko po, maraming-maraming mararating ang assistance na ito,” Herrera said.
Herrera highlighted her legislative accomplishments, discussing her efforts to ensure private hospitals accept guarantee letters from the Department of Health, with the aim of enhancing healthcare access for all residents.
She also praised Belmonte’s initiatives, such as the Right to Care card ordinance and the ongoing advocacy for the proposed Civil Partnership Law, which Herrera has been championing in Congress.
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